Practice coaches play a unique and specialized role requiring a broad set of functional, technical, and behavioral competencies. A key step in establishing a practice coaching program is agreeing upon a set of criteria to guide the practice coach hiring process. Experience has shown that successful practice coaches have a significant foundation of quality improvement knowledge and expertise, as well as a set of observable behaviors that enable them to connect with primary care practices. Indeed, some leaders have suggested that when evaluating prospective practice coaches, it is more important to consider a candidate's approach to interacting with individuals and groups of people and their level of emotional intelligence than the candidate's quality improvement experience. An enthusiastic, open-minded, task-oriented person with high standards is a good place to start.
In general, one should look for the following background when reviewing applicant resumes:
• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred in relevant discipline such as public health, human resources, nursing, engineering, or education
• Five years of experience in working in a health care setting, preferably working with health care teams, or five years leading multidisciplinary teams in quality improvement in another service setting
• Experience in participating in quality improvement teams, familiarity with quality improvement methods
• Project management skills
• Experience reviewing and interpreting performance data
• Experience in leading group processes and negotiation
Compiled by Jen Powell, an AF4Q technical advisor working with the Improving Performance in Practice (IPIP) Technical Support Team.
What are the key skills and behaviors to look for when hiring a practice coach?
Enthusiastic leadership and project management skills are a good start
How do you monitor a practice coach’s effectiveness?
A systematic monthly review of practice progress is a great strategy.
When do practice coaches end engagement with a practice?
It depends on a number of factors.
Does practice coaching improve practice performance?
Evidence reveals improvement in the quality of primary care.
How can practice coaches assist practice leaders in identifying potential future reimbursement and incentives associated with QI initiatives?
One Alliance developed a tool to address this.
How do you learn to be a practice coach?
Focus on quality improvement and organizational change, for starters.
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